During 2007–2010 an unprecedented outbreak of a lethal disease decimated blacklip abalone populations west of Cape Otway, Victoria. During the disease period the fishery remained open to maintain the commercial viability of the industry and mitigate the impact on the local fishing communities. Initially, in May 2006 the disease was confined to the region around Port Fairy which following a reduction in quota of about 100 tonnes and decrease in voluntary size limits to the LML enabled Western Zone divers to rapidly shift effort to the Portland region to catch the remainder of their quota ahead of the disease spreading westwards. In the Central Zone to the east Industry voluntarily opted for a 50 tonne quota reduction in anticipation of the easterly spread which eventuated about 1-2 years later. In subsequent years the Western Zone became exclusively reliant on disease-free stocks of blacklip and greenlip abalone. The fishing intensity on these marginally profitable areas reduced CPUE to nonviable levels. Disease-free reefs ceased to be fished as fishing resumed on disease-affected reefs under a carefully managed scientifically designed program of structured fishing and harvest strategy assessment. A decade later the fishery is now showing signs of recovery.